The Office of the Ombudsman has directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) CEO to submit crucial documents related to the regulation of dentistry in Kenya within seven days.
In a statement on Friday, April 25, the Commission on Administrative Justice noted that the directive stems from a request for information made by Dr. Kahura Mundia.
According to the commission, Mundia had applied for a review after the KMPDC CEO allegedly failed to respond to his initial requests.
Among his concerns were the lack of clarity in the scope of practice for dental practitioners and auxiliary cadres, particularly Community Oral Health Officers (COHOs).
"Dr. Mundia highlighted concerns over the Council's publication of scopes of practice for dental practitioners and auxiliary cadres (Community Oral Health Officers, or COHOs), noting that their 'motive, intent, placement, and purposes' remain unclear.
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"Dr. Mundia emphasised that his request aligns with constitutional guarantees under Article 43(1)(a) (right to healthcare) and Article 46 on consumer rights and quality service provision," the statement read.
According to the Ombudsman, information Mundia sought included certified copies of the minutes from a February 27, 2025, meeting between the regulator and stakeholders that addressed alleged misregulation of dentistry, including illegal licensing and the revocation of scopes of practice.
He also requested curricula from Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and Mount Kenya University (MKU) for COHO diploma and degree programs, as submitted to the regulator.
Additionally, Mundia asked for regulator-issued internship logbooks for KMTC and MKU COHOs, as well as dental officers trained in Bachelor of Dental Surgery programs.
He also sought documents outlining the current scope of practice for dental practitioners/dentists and COHOs.
Additionally, Mundia requested inspection reports for training facilities at KMTC, MKU, and public universities offering Bachelor of Dental Surgery programs.
The commission has now given the KMPDC CEO seven days to submit the documents, warning against failure to comply.
The Ombudsman noted that the documents inform the commission's decision on Mundia's pending appeal.
The commission stated that failure to provide the documents will force it to determine Mundia's appeal without input from KMPDC.
"Dr. Mundia's appeal cites the failure by the CEO, KMPDC, to respond to his initial requests dated 6th March 2025.
"The Commission has warned that if the CEO does not comply within the stipulated timeframe, it will proceed to determine the appeal without further input from the Council," the statement concluded.
